Jimmy’s Mercedes-Benz Vito is a peak performer
Bolton Wanderers FC legend Jimmy Phillips teamed-up with Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer Ciceley Commercials to support a team of charity walkers on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge.
The trial entails trekking over the highest points of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours, which means a comfortable, reliable vehicle in which to drive between them is every bit as crucial to success as strong legs and lungs.
Jimmy, who racked up more than 300 appearances as a defender for his home town team, as well as serving two stints as caretaker manager, is now in charge of developing young Wanderers talent in his role as Academy Director.
He acted as support driver to the team of walkers, driving between the three hiking sections in a nine-seat Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer loaned by Ciceley Commercials’ Bolton branch.
Led by tireless fund-raiser Daniella Chesney, the sponsored walkers were raising cash for The Christie Charity, which supports the work of Manchester’s Christie Hospital, the largest cancer treatment centre of its kind in Europe. Their target is £10,000. Daniella chose the charity as a way of thanking the hospital that treated her successfully for no fewer than seven bouts of cancer in seven years.
Jimmy Phillips“The Vito was brilliant, so smooth, quiet and comfortable that I never felt too tired”
The walkers were up and down Great Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, near Fort William in Scotland, in about five hours. Jimmy then drove them through the night to Scafell Pike in the Lake District, where he grabbed a nap in the Vito before setting off again on the drive to Snowdon in North Wales.
“We had a nervous moment or two when were held up by a road accident on the A55, which meant we were late arriving at the start point,” recalled Jimmy. “The walkers had to pick up the pace but they rose to the challenge and made it to the top and back with just five minutes to spare.”
By the time he had chauffeured them back to Bolton, Jimmy had clocked-up close to 900 miles at the wheel. “Meanwhile, the walkers were also able to relax and even sleep during the drives between peaks. It was the perfect vehicle for the job, and a very important member of the team.”
As a 116 CDI variant, Ciceley’s Vito is powered by a 161 hp, 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine capable of returning up to 45.6 mpg (combined cycle). Its three rows of seats, mounted on rails so they can be slid backwards or forwards, meant there was ample room for Jimmy and his six passengers, as well as all their kit.
Like all Vito models, the vehicle is also equipped with a class-leading array of standard safety features. Jimmy did not activate it, but the innovative Attention Assist system, which automatically detects and signs of drowsiness and alerts the driver through a combination of visual and audible warning signals, was certainly reassuring.
Mike Lewis, Dealer Principal at Ciceley Commercials, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Jimmy, Daniella and their team on this very worthy undertaking, and we knew the Vito would be just the vehicle they needed.”
The charity appeal is still ongoing – those wishing to donate can do so throughwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/daniella-chesney
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Last Friday, we were delighted to visit @eastlancshospice alongside our beekeeper, John Beavan, for a special MerceBEES honey demonstration.
Patients and staff learned all about bees, honey production and the extraction process, with Matt even getting involved by helping to prepare and spin the honey frames.
The visit finished with a tasting session of this year’s delicious MerceBEES honey and was a fantastic opportunity to share the story behind our hives and the important fundraising work they support.
All proceeds from the sale of our MerceBEES honey will be donated to East Lancashire Hospice, helping to support the incredible care and services they provide to patients and families across our local community.
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A Spooktacular Halloween Fundraiser Success! 👻🎃
Our colleagues across our Lancashire sites got into the Halloween spirit on Friday with fancy dress, office decorations, tasty treats and plenty of fundraising fun.
Thanks to the fantastic generosity of our team, we`re delighted to share that we raised an incredible £513.79 for East Lancashire Hospice.
A huge thank you to everyone who dressed up, baked, donated, decorated and helped make the day such a success. It`s always amazing to see colleagues come together to support great causes while having a little fun along the way.
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Truckfest North West Colouring Competition Winners!
A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Colouring Competition at Truckfest North West! We were blown away by the creativity, effort and colourful designs we received throughout the event.
After much deliberation, we`re delighted to announce that our winners have now been selected! 🏆 Congratulations to all of our winners, who have each received their prizes.
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